Against most expectations, João Félix has started the 2023-24 season with Atletico Madrid. However, it was night to forget for the Portugal international, who failed to get off the bench and was whistled by his own supporters as Atletico overcame Granada at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Félix had been widely expected to leave the Spanish capital well ahead of the new campaign, having spent the second half of last season on-loan at Chelsea following a fallout with Atletico boss Diego Simeone. Speaking after the 3-1 win against Granada, Simeone challenged Félix to earn his place in the team.
“The season has started and João is with us,” Simeone told reporters. “He knows very well what we need, what we want and what we are going to demand of him. João has to fight for a place with Correa, Morata, Griezmann and Memphis. If he’s better than the others, he’ll play.”
Simeone had named Félix in his squad for the match, but when the Seleção man’s name was announced on the loudspeaker there were loud whistles from sections of the home fans. Video footage later seemed to show the former Benfica man being heckled by Atletico supporters, having not been called into the action.
The reaction to João Félix’s name on the loudspeaker at the Metropolitano last night. Félix was never going to win a popularity contest against Diego Simeone. He has two weeks to find an escape route. pic.twitter.com/yltAklml0V
— Sean Gillen (@SeanGillen9) August 15, 2023
With two weeks left of the European transfer window, talk of a move for Félix has gone worryingly quiet. Paris Saint-Germain were sounded out by agent Jorge Mendes earlier in the summer but were not interested, while Chelsea have shown little interest in reigniting an interest. A move to Saudi Arabia has been mooted, but for now Portugal’s most expensive export appears stranded in an increasingly hostile environment with Los Rojiblancos.
? Graves insultos a @joaofelix70 cuando se ejercitaba tras el partido
— Directo Gol (@DirectoGol) August 14, 2023
❌"Ese portugués, hijo p*** es"
? #DirectoGol pic.twitter.com/KEA7XndOy5
By Sean Gillen
